JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (March 13, 2014) – There is something great about a love/hate relationship.

The ETSU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced Thursday that the Buccaneers will host former Southern Conference rival Chattanooga in the first round of the CollegeInsider.com Tournament Tuesday at the ETSU/MSHA Athletic Center. Tip is set for 7 p.m. inside the Dome.

Known as arguably the best rivalry in the SoCon during their time together in the league, the Buccaneers and Mocs spent many years dominating other foes within the conference. Overall, the two teams won 12 of 17 conference tournament titles from 1981 to 1997, and both programs have combined to win a remarkable 49 total championships in their histories – with Chattanooga claiming 28 titles and ETSU winning 21.

“This is obviously a great matchup for our fans, our students and teams,” said ETSU head coach Murry Bartow. “The ETSU and Chattanooga series has always been something special, with great players on both sides competing in memorable games. What makes this even better is that it gives us an early glimpse of life back in the Southern Conference. In the future, this matchup is something we will get to enjoy multiple times each year.”

The similarities between the two programs are stunning. ETSU has nine NCAA Tournament appearances all-time compared to 10 for the Mocs, and both programs have advanced to the Sweet 16 in the past, with ETSU reaching that game in 1968 and Chattanooga making a run in 1997. In addition, the Bucs have had nine conference players of the year compared to five for the Mocs, and ETSU has had eight coaches of the year, compared to six for Chattanooga.

Over the years, the two teams also met in the conference finals five times, with ETSU holding a 3-2 edge in those matchups. The Bucs won in 1992, 2003 and 2004, while Chattanooga enjoyed victories in 1983 and 1993.

Beginning immediately, fans can purchase tickets on-line or by calling the ETSU ticket office at 423-439-ETSU (3878) or 423-439-4828. Season ticket holders can also log into their on-line account and purchase their regular season seats. Tickets will be automatically e-mailed to fans, unless the customer selects to pick up at Will Call on the day of the game.

Children 12 and under are $5, while children under 3 are free. ETSU students will receive free admission with a valid student ID. Anyone wishing to purchase tickets to the 2014 CollegeInsider.com Tournament may do so at any time by calling the athletics ticket office at 423-439-3878 or 423-439-4828. They can also be purchased online at ETSUBucs.com.

For more on ETSU men’s basketball and the postseason CIT, visit ETSUBucs.com and click on the men’s hoops link. For more on the CollegeInsider.com Tournament, visit CollegeInsider.com.